Tilting and extending rail system for a mining carrier

ABSTRACT

In a tilting and extending rail system for a mining pump carrier the present invention comprises; pivotal carrier attaching means, sliding rails, accessory attaching means, tilting mechanism and actuating means. In a preferred embodiment, the rail system is utilized to provide vertical and longitudinal adjustment capabilities to an accessory such as a concrete hopper so as to allow motion flexibility and alignment accuracy between the carrier hopper and an adjacent utility vehicle. Therefore, the utility of this invention provides the mining industry with flexible accuracy in aligning an accessory of a carrier as well as providing optimal discharge distance between carrier accessory and discharging unit with a following utility vehicle carrying-on a common task.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilting and extending rail system for a mining pump carrier comprising; pivotal carrier-attaching means, sliding rails, accessory attaching means, tilting mechanism and actuating means In a preferred embodiment, the rail system is utilized to provide vertical and longitudinal adjustment capabilities to an accessory such as a concrete hopper so as to allow motion flexibility and alignment accuracy between the carrier hopper and an adjacent utility vehicle so that an optimal distance is achieved between said hopper and discharge portion of a following supply vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In mining, particularly underground, it is common to apply a thin layer of concrete to sidewall and overhead surfaces in order to further enhance the structural integrity of the newly excavated tunnel or drift.

[0003] The application of this concrete layer is usually made by means of a pressurized system, which consists of concrete being deposited into a hopper and mixer, compressed through a controlled pump, and ejected at a nozzle attached to a length of tubing. During the process, the pump carrier is follows closely by a concrete carrier, which, at the same time, dispenses a supply of concrete into the hopper

[0004] Oftentimes, the pump carrier and the concrete carrier fall out of alignment and spillage occurs. Furthermore, the height of the discharge portion of a concrete carrier varies from model to model. By providing adjustability of the hopper in relation to the concrete carrier, spillage can be minimal or even non-existent.

[0005] It is desirable to the underground mining industry to have the means to vertically and longitudinally adjust the placement of the hopper so as to more accurately accept the concrete from the concrete carrier into the hopper.

[0006] The applicant is aware of attempts in prior art to provide means of portably mixing and dispensing concrete. However, none of the prior art depicts the use of vertical and longitudinal adjustability of a hopper in relation to a concrete carrier.

[0007] Furthermore, the design of the present invention provides such benefits while encompassing a superior element of strength and reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is thus the object of the present invention to provide the underground mining industry with a rail system adapted to be mounted to a mining pump carrier whereby said rail system may be vertically and longitudinally adjustable in relation to a nearby concrete carrier so as to provide accurate placement of a hopper attached to said pump carrier in relation to said concrete carrier.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a plurality of pivotal attaching members between pump carrier frame and rail system.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the actuator may be hydraulic or pneumatic or any suitable actuating means.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a variety of accessories may utilize the functional properties of the present invention.

[0012] Accordingly, the system of the present invention provides vertical and longitudinal adjustability of an attached accessory such as the hopper of the preferred embodiment.

[0013] The utility of this system includes but is not limited to mining applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following brief description and upon referring to the drawings in which:—

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear portion of a mining carrier adapted with the tilting and extending rail system of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the rear portion of a mining carrier adapted with the tilting and extending rail system of the present invention as shown in its retracted position.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the rear portion of a mining carrier adapted with the tilting and extending rail system of the present invention as shown in its extracted position.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tilting and extending rail system of the present invention as shown in its retracted position.

[0019]FIG. 5 is right side cross-sectional view of the tilting and extending rail system of FIG. 4.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the tilting and extending rail system of the present invention as shown in its extracted position.

[0021]FIG. 7 is right side cross-sectional view of the tilting and extending rail system of FIG. 6.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the tilting and extending rail system of FIG. 2 illustrating the configuration of the vertical actuator in relation to the connection members in its raised position.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a rear cross-sectional view of the tilting and extending rail system of FIG. 2 illustrating the configuration of the vertical actuator in relation to the connection members in its lowered position.

[0024] While the invention is described in conjunction with preferred illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.

[0026] Turning to the drawings, in particular, FIG. 1, which illustrates a rear perspective view of the rear portion of a mining carrier adapted with the tilting and extending rail system 1 of the present invention wherein, the system comprises; a pair of horizontal outer rails 2 having a generally rectangular “C” profile extending a length relatively equal to that of a recessed portion of a mining rear carrier 5, said outer rails 2 both having an opened end toward the central area of the rail assembly, each having a guide wheel 6, and connecting members 7 fixedly joining both mirrored outer rails 2, a pair of horizontal inner rails 3 having a generally rectangular “C” profile extending a length greater than that of the outer rails 2, said inner rails 3 both having a opened end toward the outer area of the rail assembly 1, each having a guide wheel, and connecting members 8 fixedly joining both mirrored inner rails 3, ground contacting supports 9 fixedly attached to each extremity of the inner rails 3, having a vertical member 10 perpendicularly downwardly and fixedly attached to said inner rail 3, a ground contacting foot portion 11 having a generally rectangular and planar shape fixedly attached to the lower most portion of the vertical member 10 so as to enlarge the ground contacting area, a diagonal structural support member 12 having a generally rectangular tubular profile, fixedly attached to both a near extremity of each inner rail 3 and to the lower most portion of the vertical member 10 proximal to the carrier 5 at the intersection where the vertical member 10 and ground contacting foot portion 11 meet, a rail carriage 15 fixedly and horizontally attached near and below the ends of the horizontal outer rails 2 distal to the carrier 5 having a generally square tubular form extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the horizontal rails 2 and 3, rail struts 16 fixedly attached to the rail carriage 15 whereby said struts 16 are adapted with perforations therethrough so as to allow the rail carriage 15 to traverse said struts 16 thereby providing additional tensile support to the struts 16, perforations 17 are provided through each upper portion of the plurality of struts 16 so as to provide pivotal connecting means of a vertical actuator 20 to the struts 5, pivotal carrier attaching members 21 having a rectangular vertically planar portion on which a pair of vertically planar pivotal rail connecting members are vertically and perpendicularly fixed thereto, perforations 23 are provided trough said pivotal rail connecting members so as to provide pivotal connecting means of an end connector 24 from the horizontal outer rails 2 proximal to the carrier 5, vertical actuator connecting members 25 located above the carrier deck 30 near the rear most portion of said deck 30 having a square column-like structure fixedly attached to carrier deck 30, a stem 26 protruding inwardly from upper portion of said column whereby said stem 26 provides pivotal attaching means to a vertical actuator 20, a vertical actuator 20 who's upper cylinder portion 18 is pivotally attached to a stem 26 on the vertical actuator connecting member 25, a lower piston portion 19 also pivotally attached to the upper portion of the rail struts 16.

[0027] Turning now to FIG. 2, a top plan view of the rear portion of a mining carrier 5 adapted with the tilting and extending rail system 1 of the present invention as shown in its retracted position wherein the connection of the rail system 1 to the carrier 5 is depicted. As illustrated, the outer rail assembly 2 is pivotally engaged with a carrier-attaching member 21 whereby the rail assembly 2 may freely pivot upwardly and downwardly as required but not sideward. The inner rail assembly 3 having an outer dimension slightly lesser than that of the inner dimension of the outer rail assembly 2 so as to reduce frictional engagement between both inner and outer rail assemblies 2 and 3. Positive stops 40 are also provided in order to create inward travel limitation granted to the inner rail assembly 3. The outward travel limitation to the inner rail assembly 3 is limited to the possible extension of the piston portion 32 of the horizontal actuator 22.

[0028] In reference now to FIG. 3, a top plan view of the rear portion of a mining carrier 5 adapted with the tilting and extending rail system 1 of the present invention as shown in its extended position wherein, by actuating the piston 32 of the horizontal actuator 22 outwardly, and since the piston is pivotally attached to the inner rail connecting member 8, the inner rail assembly 3 is thereby forced outwardly, limited to the possible extension of the piston 32 of the horizontal actuator 22.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top plan view of the tilting and extending rail system 1 of the present invention as shown in its retracted position. As illustrated, the outer rail assembly 2 is pivotally engaged with a carrier-attaching member 21 whereby the rail assembly 2 may freely pivot upwardly and downwardly as required but not sideward. The inner rail assembly 3 having an outer dimension slightly lesser than that of the inner dimension of the outer rail assembly 2 so as to reduce frictional engagement between both inner and outer rail assemblies 2 and 3. Positive stops 40 are also provided in order to create inward travel limitation granted to the inner rail assembly 3.

[0030] In reference now to FIG. 5, a cross sectional view of FIG. 4 illustrating more accurately, the functional positioning of key components of the rail assembly 1 of the present invention in a state of retraction.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, a top plan view of the tilting and extending rail system 1 of the present invention as shown in its extended position. As illustrated, the outer rail assembly 2 is pivotally engaged with a carrier-attaching member 21 whereby the rail assembly 2 may freely pivot upwardly and downwardly as required but not sideward. The inner rail assembly 3 having an outer dimension slightly lesser than that of the inner dimension of the outer rail assembly 2 so as to reduce frictional engagement between both inner and outer rail assemblies 2 and 3. The outward travel limitation to the inner rail assembly 3 is limited to the possible extension of the piston portion 32 of the horizontal actuator 22.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross sectional view of FIG. 6 illustrating more accurately, the functional positioning of key components of the rail assembly 1 of the present invention in a state of extension.

[0033] Turning to FIG. 8, cross-sectional view from the rear of FIG. 2 illustrating the assembly of key components for the tilting function of the rail assembly 1 of the present invention in a raised position. Particularly, the positioning of a vertical actuator 20 adapted to pivotally engage to a stem 26 protruding inwardly from the inner surface of a vertical actuator-connecting member 25 fixedly mounted to the deck 30 of a carrier 5. There is provided a strike plate 33 fixedly attached to the lower portion of a carrier 5 so as to provide a contacting point for a shock absorbing padding 34 generally composed of a rubber-like material releasably secured to the upper surface of rail carriage 15.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 9 a further cross-sectional view from the rear of FIG. 2 illustrating the assembly of key components for the tilting function of the rail assembly 1 of the present invention in a lowered position wherein by actuating the vertical actuator 20 which lowers the piston 19 pivotally connected to the rail struts 16, the rail carriage 15 supporting the outer rail assembly 2 thereby lowers in relation to the extension of the vertical actuator piston 19. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:/what I claim as my invention:
 1. A tilting and extending rail system for a mining carrier comprising: a. a pair of horizontal outer rails having a generally rectangular “C” profile extending a length relatively equal to that of a recessed portion of a mining rear carrier, said outer rails both having an opened end toward the central area of the rail assembly, each having a guide wheel, and connecting members fixedly joining both mirrored outer rails, b. a pair of horizontal inner rails having a generally rectangular “C” profile extending a length greater than that of the outer rails, said inner rails both having a opened end toward the outer area of the rail assembly, each having a guide wheel, and connecting members fixedly joining both mirrored inner rails, c. ground contacting supports fixedly attached to each extremity of the inner rails, having a vertical member perpendicularly downwardly and fixedly attached to said inner rail, a ground contacting foot portion having a generally rectangular and planar shape fixedly attached to the lower most portion of the vertical member so as to enlarge the ground contacting area, a diagonal structural support member having a generally rectangular tubular profile, fixedly attached to both a near extremity of each outer rail and to the lower most portion of the vertical member proximal to the carrier at the intersection where the vertical member and ground contacting foot portion meet. d. a rail carriage fixedly and horizontally attached near and below the ends of the horizontal outer rails distal to the carrier having a generally square tubular form extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the horizontal rails, e. rail struts fixedly attached to the rail carriage whereby said struts are adapted with perforations therethrough so as to allow the rail carriage to traverse said struts thereby providing additional tensile support to the struts, perforations are provided through each upper portion of the plurality of struts so as to provide pivotal connecting means of a vertical actuator to the struts, f. pivotal carrier attaching members having a rectangular vertically planar portion on which a pair of vertically planar pivotal rail connecting members are vertically and perpendicularly fixed thereto, perforations are provided trough said pivotal rail connecting members so as to provide pivotal connecting means of an end connector from the horizontal outer rails proximal to the carrier, g. vertical actuator connecting members located above the carrier deck near the rear most portion of said deck having a square column-like structure fixedly attached to carrier deck, a stem protruding inwardly from upper portion of said column whereby said stem provides pivotal attaching means to a vertical actuator, h. a vertical actuator who's upper cylinder portion is pivotally attached to a stem on the vertical actuator connecting member, a lower piston portion also pivotally attached to the upper portion of the rail struts,
 2. The horizontal outer rails of claim 1 wherein a roller is rotationally attached near the portion of the horizontal outer rail distal to the carrier and engaged to travel longitudinally within the opened portion of the horizontal inner rails.
 3. The horizontal inner rails of claim 1 wherein a roller is rotationally attached near the portion of the horizontal inner rail proximal to the carrier and engaged to travel longitudinally within the opened portion of the horizontal outer rails.
 4. The tilting and extending rail system of claim 1 wherein the rail assembly is pivotally adjustable by means of a vertical actuator pivotally attached to a vertical actuator connecting member and to rail carriage struts whereby extending the vertical actuator would pivotally lower the rail assembly and when vertical actuator is retracted, the rail assembly would thereby be pivotally raised.
 5. The tilting and extending rail system of claim 1 wherein the horizontal inner rail assembly is longitudinally adjustable by means of a horizontal actuator pivotally attached to a carrier attaching member and to a rail connecting member whereby extending the horizontal actuator would extend the inner rail assembly distally to the carrier and when horizontal actuator is retracted, the inner rail assembly would thereby be horizontally retracted.
 6. The rail support of claim 1 wherein the upper portion near each extremity of the rail carriage is adapted with shock absorbing padding so as to absorb the force of the contact between the upper end-portion of the rail support and the lower portion of the carrier deck.
 7. The horizontal outer rail assembly of claim 2 wherein the mirrored pair of horizontal outer rails are fixedly connected to the rail carriage and additional perpendicularly attached connecting members so as to provide a predetermined and parallel width between each horizontal rail.
 8. The horizontal inner rail assembly of claim 3 wherein the mirrored pair of horizontal inner rails are fixedly connected to perpendicularly attached connecting members so as to provide a predetermined and parallel width between each horizontal rail, and having an outer dimension in width slightly lesser than the inner dimension in width of the outer rails.
 9. The rail assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner rail assembly may extend rearwardly and distally from carrier by means of a horizontal actuator's cylinder portion pivotally connected to a fixedly attached connecting member of the outer rail assembly and said horizontal actuator's piston portion pivotally connected to a fixedly attached connecting member of the inner rail assembly whereby extending the actuator piston from its mating cylinder portion effects a rearward movement of the inner rail assembly while the carrier and outer rail assembly remain in a fixed position. 